The 22-year-old has seen his stock rise this season after a successful loan spell at QPR helped him take the current Premier League season in his stride.

And Villas-Boas has praised Townsend on his recent run of form and the club's joy at seeing an academy graduate help England seal their place in the World Cup finals.

“It comes with the irreverence of a young mind in a young player,” he said. “When a young man steps into a great team full of internationals like that, it comes because of his irreverence.

“Townsend is very extroverted and shows no fear. He shows that in his game when he tries to beat defenders with his pace and creativity.

"Only when you have that confidence can you do that.

"It is wonderful for him. The explosion he has had in the Premier League is amazing, now it is not only for Tottenham but for his country. He has been doing extremely well.

"And he is a home-grown player. We are very proud of what he has done and have seen him play with so much confidence and determination that he has really set his place in the team not only at Tottenham but England.

"It is performances like this that keep your place in the team and when he has been called up by myself or Roy Hodgson he has given great performances."

Andros Townsend in action for England [GETTY]

“”

And the Spurs chief has pledged himself to help Townsend keeps his feet on the floor and offer support when the extra attention he will receive from defenders makes life that little bit harder in the Premier League.

"It is part of his growing up as a player,” Villas-Boas said. “When you reach that kind of recognition which at the moment is good from the world of football, you have to make sure you can step up the game and be constant in your performances.

"I would suppose it won’t divert his attention too much and I would expect him to be the same player. But more people will be worried about him and there will be more demand for him to perform every week - but I am sure he can cope with that."